Preoperative Quantitative Flow Ratio, Intraoperative Transit Time Flow Measurement Parameters, and Their Predictive Value for Short-Term Graft Failure After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the relationship between the preoperative quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and parameters of intraoperative transit time flow measurement (TTFM) are extremely rare. In addition, the predictive value of QFR and TTFM parameters for early internal mammary artery (IMA) failure after coronary artery bypass grafting still needs to be validated.Methods and Results: We retrospectively collected data from 510 patients who underwent in situ IMA grafting to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery at Fuwai Hospital. Spearman correlation coefficients between preoperative QFR of the LAD artery and intraoperative TTFM parameters of the IMA were -0.13 (P=0.004) for mean graft flow (Qm) and 0.14 (P=0.002) for the pulsatility index (PI). QFR and TTFM exhibited similar and good predictive value for early IMA failure (5.7% at 1 year), and they were better than percentage diameter stenosis (area under the curve 0.749 for QFR, 0.733 for Qm, 0.688 for PI, and 0.524 for percentage diameter stenosis). The optimal cut-off value of QFR was 0.765. Both univariate and multivariable regression analyses revealed that QFR >0.765, Qm ≤15 mL/min, and PI >3.0 independently contributed to early IMA failure. CONCLUSIONS: There were statistically significant correlations between preoperative QFR of the LAD artery and intraoperative TTFM parameters (Qm, PI) of the IMA. Preoperative QFR and intraoperative Qm and PI exhibited excellent predictive value for early IMA failure.

Family obligation in Chinese adolescents: Consequences and parental antecedents.

Adolescents' family obligation is a cultural strength that shows enduring prevalence in China. Given that the meaning of family obligation has undergone rapid changes in recent decades, it is crucial to examine the role of family obligation in adolescent adjustment in contemporary China. More importantly, although past research has investigated the consequences of family obligation on adolescents' adjustment, little is known about the antecedents of Chinese adolescents' family obligation. Using a two-wave longitudinal sample of 450 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.78 years, SD = .71 years; 49% female) and their parents, the current research explored two questions. First, this study examined the role of family obligation in adolescents' academic achievement, externalizing problems, and internalizing problems over early adolescence. Second, this study explored the role of parents in predicting Chinese adolescents' family obligation, specifically whether parental expectations or parental acceptance was predictive of adolescents' family obligation over time. Third, this study investigated whether family obligation is an underlying mechanism between parenting and Chinese adolescents' adjustment. Results showed that Chinese adolescents' family obligation was longitudinally associated with increased academic achievement and reduced externalizing problems. Moreover, perceived parental acceptance, but not parental expectations, was longitudinally associated with Chinese adolescents' greater family obligation. Notably, family obligation mediated the longitudinal effect of parental acceptance on Chinese adolescents' externalizing problems. By studying both the consequences and antecedents of Chinese adolescents' family obligation, this study helps provide a comprehensive understanding of this cultural strength.

Three new quinolizidine alkaloids from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis.

Three new quinolizidine alkaloids (1 - 3), including one new naturally isoflavone and cytisine polymer (3), along with 6 known ones were isolated from the ethanol extract of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR), combined with ECD calculations. The antifungal activity against Phytophythora capsica, Botrytis cinerea, Gibberella zeae, and Alternaria alternata of the compounds was evaluated in a mycelial inhibition assay. Biological tests indicated that compound 3 exhibited strong antifungal activity against P. capsica with EC50 values of 17.7 µg/ml.

Visualizing ultrafast weak-field-induced rotational revivals of air molecules at room temperature.

The ability to observe quantum coherence and interference is crucial for understanding quantum effects in nonlinear optical spectroscopy and is of fundamental interest in quantum mechanics. Here, we present an experimental study combined with theoretical analysis and numerical simulations to identify the underlying process behind the rotational revivals induced by a pair of time-delayed ultrafast femtosecond laser pulses for air molecules under ambient conditions. Our time-resolved two-dimensional alignment measurements confirm that one-step non-resonant Raman transitions from initial states of mixed molecules play a dominant role, showing a signature of weak-field-induced rotational revivals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such rotational revival spectra can simultaneously measure the entire pure rotational Raman spectra and observe the quantum interference between two transition pathways from a given initial state. This work provides a powerful tool to observe, control, and identify the rotational dynamics of mixed molecular samples under weak-field excitations.

Quinoline Alkaloids from the Roots of Orixa japonica with the Anti-Pathogenic Fungi Activities.

A new quinoline alkaloid, 5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-N-methyl-2-phenylquinoline-4-one (1), and seventeen known quinoline alkaloids (2-18) were isolated from the roots of Orixa japonica. The structure of 1 was determined by analysis of spectroscopic data. Among them, compounds 2, 3, and 13 were isolated from this plant for the first time. All isolates were screened for the anti-pathogenic fungi activities, including Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe oryzae, and Phomopsis sp. The results showed that five compounds (4, 8, 10, 11, and 12) exhibited significant anti-pathogenic fungi effects at 50.0 µg/mL. In special, compound 10 exhibited the best antifungal activities toward R. solani and M. oryzae with the IC50 values of 37.86 and 44.72 µM, respectively, better than that of the positive control, hymexazol (IC50 121.21 and 1518.18 µM, respectively). Moreover, eleven new quinoline alkaloids derivatives (12a-12k) were designed and synthesized to investigate the structure-activity relationships (SARs). The SARs analysis indicated that the furo[2,3-b]quinoline skeleton and the methoxy at C-7 (compounds 8, 11, and 12) played a key role for improving the antifungal activities.

Two new isoflavones from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis.

Two new isoflavones (1 and 2), as well as eight known ones were isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. Compound 1 represents an unprecedented polymerization pattern constructed by isoflavone and cytisine. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, combined with ECD calculations. Compound 1 displayed significant anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity compared with the positive control ningnanmycin. Moreover, compound 6 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 47.4 mg/L.

Maillard Reaction Products with Anti-Tobacco Mosaic Virus Activities Generated in Processed Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. Seed Extract.

Six novel Maillard reaction products (MRPs) (1-6) were isolated from the processed Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. seed extract, along with one biogenetically related intermediate (7). Compounds 1-4 possessed three rare dimerization patterns constructed by cytisine, whereas compounds 5 and 6 represented the first example of the addition products of cytisine and 5,6-dihydroxy-4-hexanolide. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and quantum chemistry calculations including GIAO 13C{1H} NMR and ECD calculation, combined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Biologically, compound 3 displayed significant anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity compared with the positive control ningnanmycin.

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Atlas of Different Human Cardiac Arteries Identifies Cell Types Associated With Vascular Physiology.

[Figure: see text].

Three New Pregnanes Isolated from the Cynanchum auriculatum.

Three new compounds named cynansteroid A (1), cynansteroid B (2) and cynansteroid C (3), together with nine known C21 -steroidal pregnane sapogenins (4-12) were isolated from the hydrolytic extract of the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum. The structures of cynansteroid A-C (1-3) were ascertained via the detailed analysis of the HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and the calculated and experimental ECD data of cynansteroid B (2). Compound 11 displayed moderate inhibitory activity toward Verticillium dahliae Kleb (IC50 =37.15 µM), furthermore, compounds 11 and 12 showed significant inhibitory activity against Phomopsis sp. (IC50 =16.49 µM and 17.62 µM, respectively).

Two new cytisine-type alkaloids from the seeds of Thermopsis lanceolata.

Two new (1 and 2) cytisine-type alkaloids that were chemically inseparable isomers (present in a 1:1 ratio) were identified from the seeds of Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (IR, UV, NMR, HRESIMS) and ECD calculation. Compound 1 displayed significant anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity, while compounds 1 and 2 displayed moderate insecticidal activities against Aphis fabae with LC50 value of 43.15 and 46.47 mg/L, respectively.

Investigation of Lipid Metabolism in Dynamic Progression of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis of Humans by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry.

Alterations in lipid metabolites in coronary artery tissues are phenotypic changes in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). A full picture of the spatiotemporal distribution of lipid metabolites in coronary AS is needed for a deeper understanding of its pathology and the identification of potential biomarkers of disease progression. In this work, the changes in species, quantity, and distribution of lipid metabolites at different stages of AS, which were standardized by the disease areas, were analyzed through the high spatial resolution- and high sensitivity-time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) under delayed extraction mode. Based on high lateral resolution imaging, we further analyzed the ToF-SIMS data extracted from the subregions of AS lesion tissues at different disease progression stages by semiquantitative comparison, clustering analysis (t-stochastic neighbor embedding and HCA), and KEGG enrichment. Thus, a much-detailed description of lipids' features in coronary AS was achieved. We constructed a ToF-SIMS mass spectrometry database of coronary AS lipids. 40 specific lipid metabolites with distinctive patterns between different pathological stages were obtained. Chemical imaging unveiled further details regarding the spatial distribution of lipids. Moreover, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid metabolic pathway were predicted to be critical in AS progression.

Hypermoins A-D: Rearranged Nor-Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from the Flowers of Hypericum monogynum.

Hypermonins A-D (1-4), four rearranged nor-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with unprecedented skeletons, together with two new biosynthesis related PPAPs (5 and 6) were isolated and identified from the flowers of Hypericum monogynum. Hypermoins A-D represented the first examples of highly modified norPPAPs characterized by a rare 7/6/6/5-tetracyclic system. From the biogenic synthesis pathway analysis, all isolates shared the same biosynthetic intermediate, and the addition of two methyls or one methyl to this intermediate through methyltranferase could generate different types of PPAPs (1-7). Their planner structures as well as absolute configuration were confirmed via spectroscopic analysis, ECD calculation, and X-ray crystallography. All isolates potentially reversed multidrug resistance (MDR) activity in both two cancer cells, HepG2/ADR and MCF-7/ADR. Specifically, hypermoin E (5) and hyperielliptone HA (7) were found to be the best MDR modulators with the reversal fold ranging from 41 to 236, which is higher than the positive control verapamil.

Two new seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol from Hypericum sampsonii.

Hypsampsone A (1) and hyperhexanone F (2), two novel seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, were isolated from Hypericum sampsonii. Hypsampsone A (1) features the first spirocyclic system fused with 5/6/5/5 tetracyclic skeleton. Hyperhexanone F (2) represents the second novel 1,2-seco-bicyclo[3.3.1]-PPAP skeleton. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, computer-assisted structure elucidation software, and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. A plausible biogenetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate multidrug resistance reversal activity to adriamycin (ADR) resistant cancer cell lines, HepG2/ADR and MCF-7/ADR, with the fold-reversals ranging from 16 to 38 at noncytotoxic concentration of 10 µM.

Tracing the Coherent Manipulation of Rotational Dynamics by Shaped Femtosecond Pulse-Induced Two-Dimensional Rotational Coherent Spectrum.

The temporal delayed orthogonal pulse pairs generated by the phase shaping technique are used to study the coherent control of the rotational wave packet dynamics in air. By continuously changing the intrapulse delay of the pump pulse, we measured the corresponding revival signals and obtained a two-dimensional rotational coherent spectrum (2D RCS). An additive property of the rotational dynamics is observed from the revival signals. Moreover, combining with the coherent control model, we find that the 2D RCS can be used to demonstrate the control over the underlying Raman rotational excitation. A beat frequency-dependent oscillation of each rotational transition is obtained. The transition process is revealed from the Fourier transformation about the pump delay. The scheme of this work can be used for further control and detection of the rotational wave packet and can be extended to other molecular dynamic researches.

Anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity of chemical constituents from the seeds of Sophora tonkinensis.

Two new compounds, including one new arylbenzofuran (1) and one new pterocarpanoid (2), along with nine known ones, were isolated from the seeds of Sophora tonkinensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on a comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited good anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities with the protective inhibition rate of 69.62% and 68.72% respectively, at concentration of 100 µg/ml.

Up-regulation of autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) protects dopaminergic neurons in a zebrafish model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most epidemic neurodegenerative diseases and is characterized by movement disorders arising from loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Recently, the relationship between PD and autophagy has received considerable attention, but information about the mechanisms involved is lacking. Here, we report that autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) is potentially important in protecting dopaminergic neurons in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in zebrafish. Using analyses of zebrafish swimming behavior, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and expressions of genes and proteins related to PD and autophagy, we found that the ATG5 expression level was decreased and autophagy flux was blocked in this model. The ATG5 down-regulation led to the upgrade of PD-associated proteins, such as ß-synuclein, Parkin, and PINK1, aggravation of MPTP-induced PD-mimicking pathological locomotor behavior, DA neuron loss labeled by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or dopamine transporter (DAT), and blocked autophagy flux in the zebrafish model. ATG5 overexpression alleviated or reversed these PD pathological features, rescued DA neuron cells as indicated by elevated TH/DAT levels, and restored autophagy flux. The role of ATG5 in protecting DA neurons was confirmed by expression of the human atg5 gene in the zebrafish model. Our findings reveal that ATG5 has a role in neuroprotection, and up-regulation of ATG5 may serve as a goal in the development of drugs for PD prevention and management.

Direct synthesis of alkenyl iodides via indium-catalyzed iodoalkylation of alkynes with alcohols and aqueous HI.

A convenient and efficient indium-catalyzed approach to synthesize alkenyl iodides has been developed through direct iodoalkylation of alkynes with alcohols and aqueous HI under mild conditions. This catalytic protocol offers an attractive approach for the synthesis of a diverse range of alkenyl iodides in good to excellent yields.

Normal saline versus heparin for patency of central venous catheters in adult patients - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heparin saline (HS) is theoretically superior to normal saline (NS) for maintaining the patency of central venous catheters (CVCs), but the comparative efficacy of them remains controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of NS versus HS in the maintenance of the patency of CVCs in adult patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of NS vs. HS to maintain the permeability of CVCs among adult patients were included in our meta-analysis. References of relevant papers were reviewed manually. No language restriction was applied. Non-human studies were excluded. Pooled relative risk (RR) was calculated using a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. We also performed subgroup analysis examining the effect of the duration of catheter placement on the outcome. All statistical tests were two-sided using a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Ten RCTs involving 7875 subjects (with analysis at patient, catheter, lumen and line access level) were included in this meta-analysis. Whether in terms of pooled or local analysis (RR with 95% confidence interval spans 1), NS can be equally, if not more effective, in keeping the CVCs open. Of studies reporting secondary outcomes (maneuver needed, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, haemorrhage, central venous thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infection), heparinised saline was shown not to be superior to non-heparinised solution. Subgroup analysis in patients with short vs long term CVC placement was consistent with the main outcome partly and in particular for maintenance of catheter patency in patients with a long-term placement i.e. >30 days, the RR was 0.97 (n = 6589; 95% CI = 0.76 to 1.23; P = 0.796). However, for patients in whom the catheter was in place for <30 days, the RR was 1.52 (n = 1286; 95% CI = 1.02 to 2.27; P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this meta-analysis, HS is not superior to NS in reducing CVCs occlusion. But in the short term, the use of HS is slightly superior to NS for flushing catheters from a statistical point of view.

[Clinicopathological features of primary seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma: A report of 4 cases and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of primary seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma (SVAC). METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data and clinicopathological characteristics of 4 cases of primary SVAC treated in the Department of Urology of the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University and reviewed relevant literature. RESULTS: All the 4 patients were treated by open radical resection of the seminal vesicle and prostate and pathologically diagnosed with SVAC. Preoperative prostatic biopsy had shown 1 of the cases to be negative, while preoperative CT and transrectal ultrasound had revealed a huge pelvic cystic neoplasm in another patient. Immunohistochemistry manifested that the 4 cases were all negative for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and cytokeratin 20 (CK20), but positive for cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and CK7. All the patients recovered smoothly after surgery and experienced no recurrence or metastasis during 154, 41, 20, and 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Primary seminal vesicle carcinoma is extremely rare and presents in an advanced stage. Immunohistochemistry plays a valuable role in its differential diagnosis. Various combinations of radical surgery, radiotherapy, androgen-deprivation therapy, and chemotherapy are recommended for the treatment of the disease.